Many machine embroiderers have a love-hate relationship with metallic thread. We love the sparkle but not the thread breaks. However, not all metallics are made equal. I’ll share my success story and would love to hear yours!
As far as metallic threads go, I do have a preference. I really, really swear by KingStar metallic threads by Exquisite. You can get it online from The Embroidery Store.
I sew at a thousand stitches a minute plus, with this metallic thread, I don't change my embroidery needle from my standard 75/11 size. I just I let her rip and it just sews so beautifully.
I was working at a dealership when we first found out about this particular thread. A lady from Australia came in for an event and told my dealer about it. The dealer I worked for was one of those folks that liked to test products prior to carrying it for her customers. She tested it on a lace bowl design of all things. Something that would be very challenging for any thread let alone a metallic thread due to the design's density. What were her results? She said she only had one thread break and that it was her own darn fault, not the thread. Wow! That got my attention!
What Makes a Good Metallic Thread?
Exquisite KingStar has a polyester core that is wrapped in rice paper with a metallic finish. It does not kink as it unwinds from the spool and runs smoothly through thread pre-tensioners. Smooth sailing means fewer thread breaks, less headaches, and gorgeous embroidery.
Where you can get into problems is when the thread coils, rather than gently winding off of the spool or cone. Some metallic threads are actually flat rather than round. That can increase friction as the thread goes through the machine, needle, and fabric. Added friction, and the heat it produces, often cause lesser quality threads to shred or break.
Metallic threads are a beautiful accent in embroidery, particularly holiday designs like Filigree Christmas Trees, Painted Poinsettias, or Eggsquisite Jewels.
What is your favorite brand of metallic thread?
May your day be blessed with perfect stitches and GlitterFlex!!
Bonnie Welsh - July 21, 2021
Rachel—No worries at all. My dealer made a lace bowl out of KingStar metallic thread and it washed up beautifully! It’s made for embroidery and made to be washable.
Rachel - July 21, 2021
Can I wash an article ive heavily embroidered with Kingstar metallic ? Just wondering about rust ???🤷🏻♀️😊
Bonnie Welsh - January 15, 2021
Frank—No worries at all. It’s great and I haven’t noticed any build up whatsoever. In fact, since it doesn’t shred like other metallic threads do, there’s much less chance of any type of mess in the tension disks. It’s great thread. Highly recommended (no affiliation).
Frank Weber - January 15, 2021
I am fairly new to embroidery but enjoy it a lot. I purchased the Kingstar metallic threads set a couple of months ago and thus far it has preformed very well with virtually no threads breaks. The question I have is there any concern with residual built up of fiber or dust in the tensioning area due to the rice paper wrapping?
Bonnie Welsh - December 12, 2019
Oh I agree! I love King Star metallic thread as it never gives me any trouble at all. =)
knitbunnie - December 12, 2019
I just discovered Kingstar metallic. It’s amazing! I only have the silver so far, but as soon as my cone of Floriani gold runs out, I’ll be getting that, too. I would LOVE to have the entire set of 15 colors. It’s so wonderful to have metallic thread that actually works, without my breaking out in a cold sweat.
Bonnie Welsh - June 18, 2019
Dee—I love metallic thread too! The opalescent purple sounds beautiful. =)
Dee Read - June 18, 2019
I purchase my favourite metallic threads from Marathon Threads Canada. I use many different colours – gold, silver, copper, white and opalescent purple. I always use a thread stand and my regular needle too. I can stitch a whole design without a thread break and love the look of metallic embroidery.
Bonnie Welsh - June 15, 2019
Bonnie—You’re most welcome! You’re gonna LOVE King Star metallic thread!
Bonnie Welsh - June 15, 2019
Benay—Couldn’t agree more! =)
BONNIE KOOYER - June 14, 2019
Thank you for a great link to these metallic threads. Cann’t wait to try them
Benay V. Williams - June 14, 2019
I use the King Star Metallic threads, and love them. I can even use this thread, and have my machine set at the highest speed. ❤️
I think we have all tried different processes when using metallic, one was, drop your speed.
Thank you for the article.
Bonnie Welsh - June 11, 2019
Sandy—The right thread makes all the difference in the world!
Sandy wagoner - June 11, 2019
Thanks for this article. Can’t wait to give this a try. Have had so much frustration sewing with metallic thread I had just quit trying. Thanks,